These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate brunch treat, and honestly, they’re a fantastic way to start any day. I first tried this recipe on a cozy Sunday morning, and ever since, it’s become a guilty pleasure in our house. The combination of sweet maple syrup, smoky bacon, and soft cinnamon rolls is just mouthwatering!
Picture this: pulling warm, gooey rolls out of the oven with that delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen. The sweet and salty dance of flavors is pure bliss, and it just makes you want to dive right in! Plus, they’re pretty easy to make, so you can whip them up for a lazy weekend breakfast or even impress friends if you’re hosting brunch. Trust me; they’ll think you’re a baking superstar!
If you enjoy fun breakfast ideas, you might also love my Overnight Breakfast Casserole. It’s another family favorite that’s super simple and perfect for gatherings. Enjoy your baking!
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Decadent combination of sweet maple and savory bacon flavors
- Soft, fluffy dough that’s perfect for pulling apart
- Rich, gooey filling with a delightful crunch from crispy bacon
- Customizable glaze with an optional bourbon kick for an adult twist
- Easy-to-follow steps make it a great recipe for bakers of all levels
- Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat
- Impressive enough to wow guests yet simple enough for a family treat
These cinnamon rolls are a unique twist on a classic favorite, featuring the delightful addition of bacon and maple syrup that you won’t find in traditional recipes. They make for a fantastic breakfast or brunch centerpiece that everyone will talk about!
How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet and savory treat that takes breakfast to a whole new level! Perfect for a lazy weekend morning or any gathering, they’ll definitely impress your friends and family. Plus, who can resist that combination of warm dough, crispy bacon, and maple goodness?
What You’ll Need:
- All-purpose flour – 4 cups. I like to use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup for a touch of sweetness in the dough.
- Active dry yeast – 2 1/4 teaspoons (or one packet). Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise!
- Salt – 1 teaspoon to enhance flavor.
- Whole milk – 1/2 cup, warmed. I recommend using whole milk for a richer taste.
- Water – 1/4 cup, also warmed, to activate the yeast.
- Unsalted butter – 1/4 cup melted for the dough, and 1/2 cup softened for the filling. I prefer organic for the best flavor.
- Eggs – 2 large to enrich the dough.
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup packed for sweetness in the filling.
- Ground cinnamon – 1 tablespoon for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Bacon – 1 cup cooked and chopped. I love using thick-cut bacon for extra crunch.
- Maple syrup – 1/4 cup for that delicious sweet and savory balance. Try to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Powdered sugar – 1 cup for the glaze.
- Milk – 2-3 tablespoons to mix into the glaze.
- Bourbon (optional) – 1 tablespoon adds a lovely depth to the glaze.
- Vanilla extract – 1/4 teaspoon for a hint of warmth in the glaze.
- Additional cooked bacon – for topping, because why not have more bacon?
The Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the warmed milk, water, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture, mixing until it’s all combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove it from the pan and drain it on paper towels. Chop it into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped bacon, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×24 inches).
- Spread the bacon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and smell heavenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, bourbon (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before drizzling that luscious glaze on top.
- Garnish with additional chopped bacon for that extra flavor burst and enjoy warm!
Enjoy your delightful Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, and be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just use 1-2 cups of whole wheat flour and the rest as all-purpose. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the rolls a bit denser, so you may need to adjust the liquid slightly for the right dough consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon in the Glaze?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can replace it with vanilla extract or maple syrup for a similar flavor profile. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the bourbon and increase the vanilla extract to 2 teaspoons for added flavor.
Can I Make These Rolls the Night Before?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and fill the rolls, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and can save you time in the morning!
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
More Delicious Recipes Featuring Bacon!
If you love bacon, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below:
- Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese
- Cheesy Ham & Bacon Potatoes
- Blueberry-Filled Cinnamon Rolls
- Pink Velvet Cinnamon Roll Treats
- Oven-Baked Pig Shots with Bacon & Cheese
Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in these delicious Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional cooked bacon for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warmed milk, water, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Chop into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped bacon, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×24 inches).
- Spread the bacon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, bourbon (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze on top.
- Garnish with additional chopped bacon for added flavor and texture. Serve warm.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic glaze, omit the bourbon and substitute with an additional tablespoon of milk. These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, bourbon, bacon, sweet breakfast, brunch recipe
